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Napheesa Collier, Lynx knockout Diana Taurasi and the Mercury

Vaseline September 26, 2024

Diana Taurasi was knocked out in the final two minutes of what could be the final game of her career. The Minnesota Lynx defeated the Phoenix Mercury 101-88 in the WNBA playoffs on Wednesday.

Taurasi scored 10 points, including two 3-pointers, and received a standing ovation when she walked off the court with 2:34 left in the first-round elimination game. Taurasi also received a technical foul early in the fourth quarter.

The Mercury made a statement early in the first half, but trailed the Lynx 49-47 at halftime. Minnesota led by nine points in the second quarter, but the Mercury outscored them 10-4 in the final few minutes before halftime.

Early in the third quarter, the Mercury kept the Lynx close, leading by one point at 8:38. But Minnesota took the lead after Sophie Cunningham was called for a flagrant 1 foul on Bridget Carleton at 7:43, sparking a 12-4 run for the Lynx.

The Lynx, bolstered by the record-setting performance of star player Napheesa Collier, were unstoppable in the final period. Collier finished with 42 points on 14 of 20 shooting, tying the WNBA single-game scoring record in the playoffs.

Brittney Griner led the Mercury with 24 points and tied with three other players for the lead in rebounds at five. The Mercury worked harder on the boards and outscored Minnesota 31-25.

Phoenix’s Natasha Cloud had a double-double with 16 points and 10 assists.

The Mercury finished the regular season with a 19–21 record and reached the playoffs, one season after finishing last in the league.